Government ponders plans for a 'Neighbour Day' bank holiday
Plans for an annual 'Neighbour Day' bank holiday to celebrate the work of volunteers are being studied by Boris Johnson as part of a blueprint to strengthen community cohesion.
A report commissioned by the Prime Minister suggests residents should be given automatic permission to close off roads for street parties on one day each year so they can get to know each other better.
The idea is copied from the French Fete des Voisons, which translates as “neighbour party”, in which residents get together outdoors or simply invite a neighbour for a meal.
Danny Kruger, the Tory MP for Devizes and Mr Johnson’s political secretary, has submitted a 52-page report to Downing Street titled Levelling Up Our Communities, after being asked to find ways of building on the altruism shown by millions during the coronavirus lockdown.
The report also calls for a volunteer passport system to help public bodies match supply and demand, a National Volunteer Reserve "to help with future emergencies and ongoing environmental emergencies", and a £500 million community recovery fund financed by the already existing National Fund.
The most eye-catching proposal is the annual bank holiday, which is likely to be resisted by business leaders, as bank holidays cost an estimated £2.3 billion per day in lost economic output. (Current restrictions on social distancing and social gatherings may also affect the proposals, see video below).
Mr Kruger said in the report: “Neighbour Day should be a bank holiday, with an automatic permission for any residential street to close to traffic and organise a street party.
“On this day Queen’s Award winners, and perhaps other honours recipients, could be announced. Charities and environmental groups would organise special fundraisers or volunteer days. Schools and care homes would organise intergenerational get-togethers.”
He said the idea should only be contemplated if there is “real public support”.
The French version, which takes place in May, was started 21 years ago by a Parisian who was appalled that an elderly neighbour had died in their flat and nobody noticed for months.
Responding to Mr Kruger's report, Mr Johnson said he wanted to build on "tremendous levels of voluntary action by private citizens” that emerged during lockdown, when 750,000 people volunteered to help the vulnerable by doing their shopping and collecting medication for them.
He said the report contained “many exciting ideas” which are now being considered by the Government.
Mr Kruger said: “The experience of the recent crisis – the willingness of local people to step forward and collaborate, the flexibility shown by public services and the social commitment of businesses – shows what is possible.”
